Chatter Matters

What's in a Name?

Well, I am finally in the world of blogging after many months of procrastination! Sometimes there are moments that just seem to put everything into perspective. One such moment happened today for me when I had just finished working with a little preschool aged girl. This little girl has made frustratingly slow progress in her ability to understand language and use words to successfully interact with those around her. Today we finished yet another therapy session and I was left feeling once again slightly disappointed with this little girl's progress. Out she wandered from my office only to literally bump into the child and family health nurse who innocently asked the little girl "What is your name?" Only months ago this little girl would have run back into my office and hid behind her mother's legs with no words on offer. The communication would have broken down and her opportunity to interact with a new conversational partner would have been lost. Today was different. The little girl stopped...looked up...and answered the question perfectly and with confidence using her own name. THe little girl's mother smiled with such love in her eyes and said quietly to me as we wandered out of my office "That is the first time my little girl has said her own name". What a huge achievement. What an amazing priviledge to share such a special moment. What a reminder of how important small steps are in achieving our long term goal for children with communication difficulties....PARTICIPATION.